​Time to take energy drinks off the menu for kids

Even though several brands reformulated in advance of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, several brands including sector leaders Monster still contain up to 14 tsp of sugar in a single serving - more than twice the recommended daily allowance for younger children.

Sugary drinks are fuelling an epidemic of decay. The caffeine content in energy drinks also exacerbates oral health problems by inhibiting saliva flow.

Forty-six per cent of 15-year-olds had obvious experience of tooth decay in the last national survey. The acidity of these drinks is also a major contributor to dental erosion, which affects up to 44% of children aged 15.

The BDA expressed its support to the Science and Technology Committee, which has argued concerns in society, and evidence from teachers, could "justify a ban."

Products are currently required to carry a warning label that they are "not suitable for children". The BDA believes that energy drinks should not be available for children to buy.

BDA chair Mick Armstrong:

"Dentists see the devastating impact energy drinks are having on children's oral health every day.

"It is bizarre we are still having this debate over products that are habit forming, highly acidic and can come laced with 14 teaspoons of sugar – far more than a can of coke.

"No PR blitzes or tokenistic reformulations can distract from the fact industry cynically views children as a target market for these drinks. If the government is even half serious about prevention they will take them off the menu."